Potential host range of Cotesia vanessae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasitoid new to North America and a possible biological control agent of noctuid pest species

Abstract

The likelihood of parasitoids establishing in new geographic regions depends upon the availability of suitable host species. Identifying these hosts and the degree of their suitability is particularly important when they include species that are economically important as pests. In laboratory studies, we examined the suitability of 47 species of Lepidoptera as potential hosts of a parthenogenetic strain of the gregarious parasitoid Cotesia vanessae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Previously known from Eurasia and northern Africa, the first known recovery of C. vanessae in North America was in 2009. C. vanessae completed development in 34 species, of which three were known hosts (Noctuidae) and 31 (30 Noctuidae, 1 Nymphalidae) were not. Many of these noctuid species are economic pests. Parasitoid fitness was generally highest on species of Plusiinae (Noctuidae), measured as either percentage of successful parasitism, developmental time, or number and mass of F1 progeny. Closely related species were generally similar in their suitability as hosts. In some cases, parasitoid eggs or larvae were killed by the immune system of the parasitized host, but the host eventually failed to excrete food waste, did not pupate, and ultimately died. Such cases reached up to 100% mortality depending upon the lepidopteran species. The suitability of many species of noctuid pests as hosts for C. vanessae suggests that this parasitoid will become established widely throughout North America and may help to suppress populations of some pest species.

Protein Deficient Diets: Cascade Effects on a Lepidopteran Pest and Its Parasitoid Wasp

“…Note, however, that premature deaths on the 8.1 g protein/liter diet only occurred for 31 and 24% of caterpillars in the nonparasitized and parasitized groups, respectively (Table 2), which further shows that T. ni can sustain high variations of protein content in its diet [and further supports hypothesis (3)]. Some of the parasitized T. ni that died prematurely appeared constipated, as did caterpillars observed in Hervet et al (2022), an effect attributed to parasitism disabling the host's digestive system.…”

“…Caterpillars in the first group were allowed to develop and eclose as adults. Caterpillars in the second group were parasitized as newly molted fourth instars, a stage thought to be optimal for parasitism based on preliminary observations (Hervet 2017). Caterpillars in this latter group were held in contact with C. vanessae until the parasitoid inserted its ovipositor and displayed behavior indicative of parasitism; i.e., upward extension of wings, and mid-and hind legs (see Fig.…”